Fan experience the focus in Matatū home game venue change

Matatū are excited to announce an updated venue for our first-ever home game in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The South Island’s only Super Rugby Aupiki team will take the field at Ngā Puna Wai on 4 March 2023, taking on the Hurricanes Poua in Round 2 of the 2023 competition.

The game was originally set to take place at Orangetheory Stadium, but Matatū management made the decision to move it to Ngā Puna Wai to create a more intimate and engaged fan experience, with the opportunity to promote a sell out game.

Sarah Munro, Matatū General Manager, said Ngā Puna Wai was a supurb outdoor sporting venue that catered for a smaller crowd size, and she “couldn’t wait until we have crowds gathered to cheer on our wahine”.

“We’re heading into our second ever season of Super Rugby Aupiki with a team and a fanbase that are still learning who we are,” Munro said.

“Our 2022 season was so heavily impacted by Covid, the home fans here in Ōtautahi and the wider Te Waka O Aoraki (South Island) never got the chance to see our girls in action.”

Munro said Matatū had spoken to several UK clubs who had experienced success in building big crowds for women’s sport. It was all about creating opportunities for continued demand and not always matching what the men’s game had done.

“Their advice was to choose a venue that we felt confident in selling out to create atmosphere and an appetite to keep coming back,” Munro said.

“Women’s rugby is experiencing a real surge in popularity which is so awesome, and it’s our job to keep that wave going and create the best fan experience we can.

“What an exciting opportunity we have to host our home game in front of a sell out crowd at Ngā Puna Wai.”

Nigel Cox, Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation Sports and Events, said he was excited to see Matatū run out onto the field at Ngā Puna Wai.

“We’re very happy to be part of the Matatū story, and the growth of women’s rugby,” Cox said.

“Ngā Puna Wai is an amazing sporting hub enjoyed by generations of sportspeople and supporters in Ōtautahi.

“To be hosting Matatū’s first home game there will be a highlight on the city’s sporting calendar.”

Matatū represents the South Island regions traditionally associated with the Crusaders and Highlanders. The team and brand are taking a unique approach to Super Rugby Aupiki, the women’s competiton that kicked off in 2022, and it’s led and governed by the Crusaders’ off-field team.

The name Matatū translates to the mana of Aoraki being the watchful guardian of all those who reside in Te Waka o Aoraki (the South Island).